Concealed Weapons Permitting in Hawaii

Hawaii is a “may-issue” state, meaning that the chief of police of a county has discretion in determining whether or not to issue a concealed weapons license to an applicant. The chief of police may grant a license to carry a concealed weapon and ammunition “[i]n an exceptional case, when an applicant shows reason to fear injury to the applicant’s person or property,” if the applicant is a United States citizen or a duly accredited official representative of a foreign nation and over 21 years of age.1

Pursuant to state law, a chief of police must adopt procedures to require that any person granted a license to carry a concealed weapon on the person shall:

(4) Not have been adjudged insane or not appear to be mentally deranged.3

A fee of $10 shall be charged for each license.4 Any person carrying a concealed handgun without a license is criminally liable for a misdemeanor and “may be immediately arrested without warrant by any sheriff, police officer, or other officer or person.”5

All licenses to carry a handgun may be revoked for good cause by the issuing authority or by the judge of any court.6

Firearm Safety Training

Although Hawaii does not specifically require applicants for licenses to carry firearms to complete firearms safety training, firearms safety training is a pre-requisite to obtaining a permit to purchase or possess a pistol or revolver under state law.7 For additional information, see the Hawaii Licensing of Gun Owners or Purchasers section.

Duration & Renewal

A concealed weapons license is valid for one year from the date of issue.8 The renewal fee is $10.9

Disclosure or Use of Information

Within ten days after the last day of each month, all issuing authorities must report to the Department of the Attorney General all permits and licenses issued or revoked by the authority as of the last day of the preceding month.10

Reciprocity

Hawaii has no provisions allowing concealed weapons license holders from other states to carry their concealed firearms in Hawaii.